Intracellular Microenvironment‐Responsive Dendrimer‐Like Mesoporous Nanohybrids for Traceable, Effective, and Safe Gene Delivery

Abstract

In order to create advanced functional nanocarriers for efficient gene therapy, novel intracellular microenvironment‐sensitive fluorescence label‐free nanostructured dendrimer‐like silica hybrid nanocarriers are developed for traceable, effective, and safe gene delivery. Dendrimer‐like mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs) with center‐radial large pores are covalently modified with short polyethyleneimine (PEI) for efficient gene loading and binding. Autofluorescent and biodegradable PEI (AC‐PEI) responsive to the intracellular microenvironment are then coated on the gene‐loaded nanoparticles for inhibiting gene leakage from the carriers. Moreover, AC‐PEI coating not only endows intracellular microenvironment‐responsive gene release property, but also allows monitoring the gene delivery process in the absence of external labelling, owing to the pH‐ and GSH‐responsive autofluorescence and biodegradability of AC‐PEI. The resultant nanocarriers show high gene loading capacity, low cytotoxicity, stimuli‐responsive gene release, label‐free, and simultaneous fluorescence tracking, and high gene silencing capability. Thus, these developed nanocarriers hold substantial and promising potential as effective and safe gene‐delivery carriers for future scientific investigation and practical implications in gene therapy.